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Aquarium safe driftwood??

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Long story short i will be spending next week in the north of Scotland at a marine centre Doing some volunteer work. I have been there before and nearby there is a beach that harbours loads of driftwood. It sits at an estuary and in every 24hours loads more appears.

I would be able to bring stuff back, however i dont really know what to look for, or even if it is aquarium safe.

The estuary's in this country are protected and we aren't allowed to take anything from them, so first, be certain you are allowed to take the driftwood. Look for hard wood, if you can get your fingernail in it, it isn't suitable for your aquarium.

When I go fishing I just throw sharp rocks in the water and wait for the dead fish to float to the top... KingfisherEverything happens for a reason. Sometimes that reason is you are stupid and make bad decisions. I think my fish is adjusting well to the four gallon, He's laying on his side attempting to go to sleep on the bottom of the gravel.
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Dear naps, sorry I hated you so much when I was a child... Love me

It is just the idea that the area is "protected" from anything and everything. so like no hunting,(sometimes no camping), can't take or put things there. keep the area as it's natural habitat and removing things will alter the ecosystem.

but I agree with the simple nail test for hardwood. but also pop into google and search the native tree species, so you know what it could be and if they are classified as hard wood's too. that'll help give guidance on what to choose.

With what we collected from the beach, we first submerged it in boiling water to kill anything living on it, then soaked it for 4 - 5 weeks (until it no longer floated) good point about the fingernail test

Fingernail test is good, also stay away from wood that is evergreen. Another tip, give the a wood a smell, some woods are fragrant woods and I have been worned against that. Cedar (also evergreen) and some poplar, and maybe black walnut can be fragrant.

I find that most oak works well if not rotted. Beech is good. then your more exotic species, manzanita, mopani, and malaysian drift.

I have been wanting to try out some maple and some crape myrtle, so if anyone has used it, let me know.